Journal Published Online: 25 November 2019
Volume 48, Issue 3

Study on the Interlocking Mechanism of Barbules of an Eagle Feather and the Corresponding Microstructures to Reconstitute Their Integrity

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Birds have impressive flying abilities in part because of the remarkable structural aspects of their feathers. It is also interesting that a feather has the ability to reconstitute its structural integrity in a convenient and effective way. To reveal this mechanism, separating and recovering processes of neighboring barbs were observed after stretching a barb of an Aquila chrysaetos. Thereafter, a three-dimensional model of barbs was proposed herein. A connecting force in range of 0.47 N/mm to 1.26 N/mm between distal barbules and proximal barbules was quantified by an experimental approach that combined an in situ stretching device and a strain sensor.

Author Information

Tang, Di
China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
Liu, Dawei
China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
Fan, Zhongyong
Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE20190475
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20190475